MINOT, ND – A furious rally by the University of Mary women's soccer team fell just short in the Northern Sun conference opener for the Marauders. Olivia Gardner tapped home a goal with just over three minutes remaining in the match but the Marauders were unable to find the equalizer in a 2-1 loss on the road to Minot State University.
 
Needing a pair of goals with the game winding down, the Marauders looked to turn the tide with a pair of corner kicks in the 78^th minute. A header attempt by Eli Olsen on the first service was headed for the near right post but was swept out of play by a Beavers defender, giving the Marauders a second attempt. However the Marauders were unable to get a shot off following the second corner service.
 
A deep attempt by Rio Spruenken with just under seven minutes left just sailed over the crossbar.
 
The Marauders (1-3-2 overall / 0-1 NSIC) finally solved the Beavers (4-1 / 1-0) defense in the 87^th minute. A long blast from over 25 yards out by Spruenken bounced off the top right corner of the post back into play. MaLiah Burke looked to tap the ball home but Minot State goalkeeper Maddie Elliot made a sprawling save. With the ball laying just outside the goal line, Garder swooped in to knock the ball into the net for her first goal of the season with 3:05 to play.
 
Hoping to keep up the pressure in hopes of pulling even, the Marauders were unable to break through the Beavers defense for a final scoring opportunity.
 
The Beavers opened the scoring in the 19^th minute of play on a goal by Casey Brooklyn. Minot State later doubled its lead with a counter by Lola Onsurez in the 56^th minute.
 
A tight defensive game, the Beavers officially had a slight 7-6 edge in shots and a 4-3 advantage in shots on frame. However, unofficially the Marauders appeared to unleash upwards of nine shots in the second half alone. Both UMary's Molly Fischer and Elliott were credited with a pair a saves.
 
Additionally corner kicks (3-3) and fouls (6-6) were even.
 
The Marauders return home on Sunday, Sept. 17, to host MSU Moorhead in the Youth Soccer Appreciation Game. Start time is 1 pm at the MDU Resources Community Bowl.
 
Prior to the game, youth soccer players are invited on the field to enter the pitch through the Marauders Centennial Collision & Paint tunnel. Youth 12 and younger with an adult are admitted free. Any youth 12 and under unaccompanied by an adult are charged a $5 admission fee at the gate (cash only).
 
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